LEAGUE FOOTBALLERS.

Franklin Times, Volume XXV, Issue 25, 8 March 1935, Page 8 (Supplement)

LEAGUE FOOTBALLERS.

ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND. STEPHENS AND BLACKLAWS. ' MUCH EXPECTED OF THEM. A London paper. “The Daily Herald." dated January 25. devoted half a column lo two Now Zealand footballers who recently arrived there to play for the well-known St. Helen’s club. Under a photograph of “Mort” Stephens, an ex-Pnpakura player, appears the following:— “St. Helen’s are in luck —Colonials here' for Cup-ties—St. Helen’s will be strengthened greatly for I heir Rugby League cup-tie task at Oldham by two new men from New Zealand. Yesterday the club disclosed their identity. They are Cyril Blacklaws and “Mort" Stephens. Blacklaws (who also played for Papakura, and transferred with Stephens to Newton) stands 6ft,. 3in., weighs 14st. and is 22 years of age. He is fast and a deadly tackier. Stephens is sft. it ins., weighs J2st. 41bs and is also 22 years old and is one of the fastest wing-men New' Zealand has produced.” The writer went on to say that in the opinion of Trevor Hall, another w'el-known New Zealand player, now with St. Helen’s, “no better players have left New' Zealand and further that Stephens is one of the greatest wingmen playing. Press cuttings from. New Zealand give ample confirmation of Hall’s praise of his own proteges. Stephens’ two tries again Ridley in the last series of tests being specially commended.”

The article concludes with mention of Blacklaws’ ability at goal kicking. Both these players are well-known in Papakura and their performances in the Old Country will be watched with keen interest.